Being Present In His Presence

Being present in the moment, also known as mindfulness, is all the rage. But did you know there’s a level beyond this? A level where being present in His presence can change your entire life?

While being present sounds simple, we know it’s not. It’s hard to be attentive to each moment of our busy lives. I for one fall victim to a busy brain. Usually my brain is in planning mode, but it also slips into ruminate mode as well. Then there’s the constant distraction of technology. No wonder we need help being present!

Being Present in His Presence

How God Centers and Sustains

For the believer, being present and living in God’s presence should be intertwined. Moses understood this well. In Exodus we find God’s people freed from slavery. For many years they lived in tents wandering the desert. Finally, they are on the brink of gaining their own homeland. You would think they would be yanking up tent stakes and rushing in. Yet Moses isn’t anxious to move ahead. Instead he pleads with God not to send them forth without His presence. God reassures Moses….

Moses knew that they needed God in each and every moment. Whether it was basics like food, or the strategic plan God had for them. God’s presence was essential to their survival. What can we learn from from this story? How do we bring God’s life-giving presence into our busy lives?

We often vow to give God “our future” with great aplomb and a heroic virtue. But the future is easy to give God for the simple fact that we don’t have it. All we have is the present. The here and now. This moment, this pain, this joy, this gratitude, this surrender.

John Mark Commer from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry devotional

We Only Have the Present

The simple truth is that we can’t live in the past or in the future. We can only live in the present. The present is also the only place where we interact with God. In fact, I’ve found that connecting with God is the most effective way to be more present. His presence simplifies my moments and elevates my thoughts. Whether its appreciating a person or the beauty of God’s creation. Acknowledging a concern or seeking an answer. Bringing His presence into my present situation changes things. But like any communication, being present requires focus. When possible, I try to find a way to quiet my surroundings. If that’s not possible, I find some way to quite my inner self.

Here’s a simple faith hack I’ve adopted that you may want to try. Set a few daily reminders on your phone that say “Present in His Presence.” Even if it’s for 2 minutes, stop what you’re doing and take in your surroundings. Quiet your mind and connect with God. See what happens.

If we get out of our busy minds we are thrust into the present. When we connect that moment with God, there’s a new perspective. Just like the welcoming chair in the wooded setting above, it’s here we will find rest.

Going Deeper

Identity Restoration: Know, Believe & Live the Truth of Who You Are by Ray Leight and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Commer, inspired this post and are great resources for going deeper on this topic.

Jesus, I pray that we can stop our busy thoughts and be more present in life. Help us connect with your presence as we do this. We do not want to move ahead without you. It is in you we live and move and have our being. We trust that you will sustain us, as we journey through life toward our eternal promised land.